News Release Archive

Reclamation to Lower Lake Moovalya About One Foot in Mid-January 2013

Media Contact: Rose Davis, 702-293-8421, jdavis@usbr.gov

For Release: December 18, 2012

The Bureau of Reclamation will lower the level of Lake Moovalya, the small body of water behind Headgate Rock Dam north of Parker, Arizona, by approximately one foot in elevation for a two-week period beginning in early January 2013. Reclamation is coordinating this activity with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to allow the Colorado River Indian Tribes to perform annual maintenance on their area canals.

The temporary drawdown is expected to have only minimal impacts on releases from Parker Dam and will not affect Colorado River flows below Headgate Rock Dam.

The drawdown is scheduled to begin Monday morning, January 7, 2013. The one-foot drop should be completed by Monday afternoon, but environmental conditions could vary the drawdown time.

During the drawdown, the Lake Moovalya water level will stay at approximately elevation 363.40 feet; it is normally at elevation 364.40 feet. The lake should return to its normal elevation by Tuesday, January 22, 2013; however, a return to normal elevation may occur sooner or later based on operational or environmental conditions.

All river users should remember that fluctuating or lower than normal river flows may expose or create natural hazards such as moving sandbars, gravel bars, unstable riverbanks, floating or submerged debris, or other unfamiliar obstacles. As always, caution should be exercised while using the river.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.